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'Major Announcement' Coming

By: Adam Jardy

The Columbus Dispatch - February 15, 2012 10:25 AM

The Crew has announced a 2 p.m. press conference to make a 'major announcement.'

I have been told by different sources that there are three possible pieces of news that could be
made public today: final announcement of the team's new television deal, the naming of a jersey
sponsor or the naming of a stadium sponsor.

The team accidentally issued a press release weeks ago promising advertisers a chance to be
featured on the team's forthcoming broadcasts on Fox Sports Ohio. It was subsequently altered to
omit the name of the network. The Crew's deal with Ohio News Network expired at the end of last
season. Sources have told me there will be an alternate channel to guarantee that all of the team's
games will be on television, presumably in high definition as well.

As for the possible sponsorship deals, the team has reportedly been close to hammering out a
jersey deal for weeks. I've heard less buzz about a stadium sponsorship, but I've heard
photographers have been requested at the stadium, possibly to capture images of new logos around
the complex.

Because some of you have asked on Twitter, it's unlikely that the team will be unveiling a
designated player this afternoon. I spoke with head coach Robert Warzycha yesterday and he said
there was no update on that situation, adding that they are still working. Plus, it seems to me
they would want to introduce a new, high-profile signing with the coaching staff available for the
event. The Crew scrimmages Seattle at 11 a.m. today in Bradenton, Fla.

I'll be at the press conference, so follow me on Twitter and check back here later for all the
details.